The inaugural speech was delivered by High Commissioner Chitranganee Wagiswara who spoke on the emphasis that have been placed by Sri Lanka on economic diplomacy and gave a brief introduction on growing bilateral trade and economic relations between India and Sri Lanka. She requested the BRICS Chamber to link Sri Lanka to their large business network by introducing the opportunities available in Sri Lanka to the business communities in India and BRICS countries. She encouraged the participants to look at the vast opportunities available, which would be mutually beneficial.

Sumedha Ponnamperuma, Minister Counselor (Commercial) did a comprehensive presentation on products that could be exported from Sri Lanka and tariff concessions under various preferential trading arrangements. In addition he elaborated on areas that would interest Indian entrepreneurs and the incentives offered by Sri Lanka to potential Investors.

Speaking on behalf of the BRICS Chamber Dr. B.B.L Madhukar, Secretary General of BRICS expressed the importance of developing trade links between India and Sri Lanka. He said that the Chamber is planning to organize a delegation by the end of May 2017 as the delegation intends to participate at the Sri Lanka Investment and Business Conclave 2017. A question and answer session was held which demonstrated the interest of the participants.

Approximately 40 members of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry participated in the promotional workshop.